Amidst celebration of her academic achievements, young Serena Bennett’s life was tragically cut short during an overseas university trip. This devastating event brought sorrow not only to the Northwest Nazarene University (NNU) community but also to all those who knew her for her dedication to animal rescue and education.
Serena, a recent 21-year-old graduate of NNU, passed away during an academic trip to Ecuador on May 18, 2025. The tragedy took place off the Ecuadorian coast during a SCUBA diving activity that included several students and faculty members from the university.
The university shared in an official Facebook update on May 21 that a group comprising eleven students and three faculty members had embarked on this enriching experience. A bright student, Bennett majored in Wildlife Biology and Ecology with a Photography minor, graduating Cum Laude as part of the 2025 class.
Serena Bennett is pictured with a dog, dated May 21, 2025 | Source: Facebook/Lakelowellanimalrescue
All participants in the SCUBA diving excursion had received necessary training and were certified divers before venturing to Ecuador. Despite these precautions, an emergency emerged during the dive. Faculty members, along with diving experts and medical personnel, swiftly attended to the incident. Sadly, their efforts couldn’t save Bennett.
Serena Bennett smiles while holding a puppy, dated May 21, 2025 | Source: Facebook/Lakelowellanimalrescue
In the wake of this tragedy, NNU extended support to Bennett’s family and the university community involved in the trip. A statement from the university highlighted a special gathering to offer prayers for Serena’s family and loved ones.
Sharing his thoughts on Bennett’s character and influence, Dr. John Cossel Jr., Chair and Professor of the Biology Department at NNU, recollected how Serena loved both Jesus and nature.
Her fascination with marine life, especially Orca whales, and her adventurous nature were evident. She had worked previously in Florida on projects involving shark and stingray conservation and even studied abroad in New Zealand, becoming one of NNU’s pioneer students in the Creation Care Study program.
Serena Bennett is pictured with a rescue kitten, dated May 21, 2025 | Source: Facebook/Lakelowellanimalrescue
Bennett’s dedication to teaching and helping others was rare. She once assisted middle schoolers in grasping complex subjects like photosynthesis and participated in educational activities at the Aquarium of Boise.
Whether dressed as a mascot or engaging young minds about marine life, her enthusiasm for wildlife education came through brightly. Combining her love for photography, she captured beautiful moments of her classmates out in nature.
Serena Bennett is pictured during one of her rescue missions, dated May 21, 2025 | Source: Facebook/Lakelowellanimalrescue
Adding to her commendable academic journey, Chadwick Pearsall, Director of Global Connections at NNU, reflected on Bennett’s intense engagement with field research and ecology.
In the summer of 2023, she conducted environmental studies at the Au Sable Institute’s Pacific Rim campus in Washington. Later that year, she studied wildlife in Kaikoura, New Zealand, a location she described as “absolutely beautiful” with picturesque fur seal colonies she frequently visited.
Serena Bennett is pictured with a rabbit, dated May 21, 2025 | Source: Facebook/Lakelowellanimalrescue
Pearsall fondly remembered a conversation with Bennett about a rescue dog affiliated with the Lake Lowell Animal Rescue. Serena knew the animal and lit up with joy upon seeing its recent photographs post-adoption.
Always eager to travel and discovering more about nature, her passion was evident in every choice she made.
Serena Bennett clicks a picture with a rescue dog, dated May 21, 2025 | Source: Facebook/Lakelowellanimalrescue
In their statement, NNU encouraged their community to support one another in this challenging time of loss, emphasizing that compassion and collective gratitude can offer comfort.
The news of Bennett’s untimely passing has resonated widely, prompting many who knew her from various phases of life to express their sorrow and recall cherished memories.
Serena Bennett smiles while holding foster animals, dated May 21, 2025 | Source: Facebook/Lakelowellanimalrescue
For years, Bennett volunteered at the Lake Lowell Animal Rescue (LLAR). Through a heartfelt message, the organization conveyed its profound grief. Despite having every word at their disposal, it felt inadequate to express their deep sense of loss.
Serena Bennett is seen patting a dog, dated May 21, 2025 | Source: Facebook/Lakelowellanimalrescue
Bennett emerged as a fundamental part of LLAR’s operations, progressing from assisting with clean-ups to coordinating essential tasks such as organizing events and managing foster care transports.
Her fearlessness shone as she dove into challenging rescue missions, including ventures beneath homes to rescue kittens when needed.
Serena Bennett looks happy while patting a rescue animal, dated May 21, 2025 | Source: Facebook/Lakelowellanimalrescue
Engaging in numerous crucial rescue missions recently, Bennett stood as a resilient and ever-present volunteer, whether facing demanding conditions or odd hours. Her nurturing spirit extended to fostering various animals, from cats and dogs to chickens.
Serena Bennett is pictured with a rescue dog, dated May 21, 2025 | Source: Facebook/Lakelowellanimalrescue
The rescue team painted a vivid picture of Bennett’s kindness and generosity, mentioning her thoughtful gestures, like remembering birthdays and ensuring everyone was comfortable.
“You made a real difference in so many lives—both human and animal,” they expressed, affirming that her indelible impact would never fade.
Following her passing, LLAR temporarily suspended its operations to mourn. They plan to remain closed until later in the week as they process their grief and plan meaningful ways to honor her memory.
Bennett’s family conveyed their grief online, with her aunt, Crystal Amber Bryant-Curasi, revealing in a heartfelt May 24 post that the family received the “unbelievable and shocking news.”
Serena, having just celebrated her birthday and graduation, was fondly remembered for her vibrant personality and deeply cherished memories.
The profound loss of Serena Bennett has left an indelible void in the hearts of her family, university peers, and rescue community. As they navigate this challenging time, those she touched are determined to cherish her legacy of compassion, dedication, and energy.
